GUIDANCE FOR YOUTH

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1935, Page 5

GUIDANCE FOR YOUTH

NATIONAL THANKS OFFERING FUND ENTHUSIASM FOR PRINCE’S PLAN. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Rec. 5.5 p.m. London, March 1. Such a large gathering, including religious leaders, responded to the Prince of Wales’ invitation to a meeting to discuss the establishment of a national thanks offering fund for the King’s jubilee, that it filled two great rooms. at St James’ Palace. The Prince, standing in a doorway addressing both rooms simultaneously, revealed his plan to form a King George’s jubilee trust ,to assist the local extension of existing voluntary youth movements. He emphasised that millions of British people wished to express to the King their deep thankfulness for his reign. While people were celebrating the. jubilee with a diversity of local activities and ceremonies, they also felt the year should not be allowed to pass without a permanent thanks offering, in which to pour out their gratitude and loyal affection. , “I can think of no call making so universal an appeal as the call of youth, said the Prince. “I have ascertained that nothing would give Their Majesties greater pleasure than a thanks offering devoted to the younger generation. I, in common with you, am concerned with boys and girls after leaving school until the age of 18 when they enter ,an unfamiliar world at the most critical moment in their physical, moral and mental development, needing discipline, friends and opportunity which we can give. “Over 500,000 boys between 14 and. 18 are drifting into manhood, lacking guidance and the opening for their natural high spirits and ambitions. There is no sadder sight in the world .than aimless and dispirited youth and nothing more heartening than boys and girls in organisations ensuring amusement, physical, mental and spiritual fitness snd mutual service that makes people great. “It is proposed later to form a committee to assist in framing proposals for submission to the King. Meanwhile we need not await finance but can recruit helpers for the undertaking.” The Lord Mayor, Sir Stephen Killick, voiced the meeting's acceptance of the proposals.